What is a good computer monitor to use on set for preview?

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PhoenixF2B

Member
Hello,

I currently have a film in development and we are trying to prepare ahead for some of the logistics (micro budget film). We will be potentially shooting with the AF100 and/or GH2 and we were looking at using two HD computer monitors on set for the camera feed so that the director can watch the screens during the shooting.

What would you recommend as far as a good screen goes with accurate color and sharpness? Thanks!
 
An HDMI input production monitor would be a lot simpler to set up and would look much better than HD computer monitor. Even a couple of small LCD HDTVs with HDMI input would be fine if you're going cheapo.

Noah
 
I would shy away from a computer monitor and get something more professional like a Panasonic BT-LH1760W 17". I use one on every shoot in which a client wants a monitor.
 
We just used a 24" consumer HDMI capable TV for video village and it worked pretty well. I went through all three monitors (one for op, one for the 1st AC, and the TV for video village) and adjusted the setting to try and have them match the onboard LCD (we were using a PL mount 7D) before the shoot started. Ended up working well. but YMMV.

obviously if you have the budget a monitor like the Panasonic 17" (which we used on one shoot, it was beautiful) would be preferable, but there are other options.
 
Yea, yea, production monitors are awesome, but they are not cheap, and something like the 17" panasonic mentioned above at $3.5K a pop. I think you all missed that the OP needing it for a specific microbudget project... I would assume that micro budget project cannot afford $7-8K for two screens for client preview. They are great monitors, I have loved using them when I have... but are they affordable for a micro budget production, hell no, And frankly, if it is a mico budget, even if they could swing it, there are def. smarter ways to spend money than dropping 7K on two monitors. I would get two 1080p 23" computer screens with HDMI for client preview and focusing. (I use my second computer screen when needed for this.) They are cheap (you can get 23" LCDs monitors for like $125 and it works great...) the only down side is that they are NOT color accurate. No fear, for that I would pick up a used older SD production monitor that you can calibrate, and use that only for judging color and exposure. Sure, not the most compact set-up (two calibrated professional panels would be easier to deal with), but this is a micro-budget project you say, so I am sure you know you will have to sacrifice something that way.
 
I own a Viewsonic 24" 1080p LCD Monitor/TV. As a computer monitor, it sucks. But, I'm actually impressed with how it looks as a video monitor via HDMI. On a budget, I'd say it's tough to beat. I paid $220 for it at B&H in February.
 
@ Mike - How accurate is the color in your opinion? Is it close enough to safely say on set that it the footage won't be way off when we take it back into the edit room? That price is most definitely in the range we were hoping for.

I do appreciate all the feedback, if I had my way we would definitely get the 17" Panasonic screens, they are beautiful but unfortunately that falls outside of our possibilities at this point.
 
Conservatively, I would say that the color is close enough that you will have no surprises later in editing, but I wouldn't consider using it in a critical situation where complex compositing woudl be done. What I would caution you on is the contrast and brightness. I think you are OK for getting a good exposure, but it will tend to crush the dark colors...consumer TVs will tend to make the image look a little better than it really does.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/619927-REG/Viewsonic_VT2430_VT2430_24_Widescreen_LCD.html
 
As old as I'm getting, I enjoy having a Panasonic BT-LH2600W 26" production monitor fed via SDI available.
But we also have a couple of LCD HD TVs, as well as smaller on-camera monitors to choose from.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
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And you can hook up every computer monitor, calibrate and even use 3D lookup tables.

I use it all the time, works like a charm.

Frank
 
i just ordered an alienware 17x and it has hdmi input. i plan on using it for external monitoring (focus, composition). obviously not a broadcast quality monitor, but it was cheaper than the price of a high end laptop and seperate external monitor
 
I've used a Samsung 23in. LED on set before and it worked just fine for color, focus and framing. Sure the Panny 17 is great, but the little LED costs $225 at most and the client could see what was going on.
 
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